2007 Yamaha WR450F WR250F Photos

Kayaba suspension keeps the Yamaha sticking to the trail no matter what’s in its path.

The new 450F lets you turn trailside clutter into camera-worthy play spots. Hilde demonstrates.

The sure-footed Yamaha is right at home on slippery rocks.

Some local workers got a kick out of watching JC repeatedly wash his riding gear.

There were plenty of foreign obstacles in our way but the WR mowed them down with reckless abandon.

Yamaha’s new styling gives the front end a fresh look but JC paid little attention with such awesome trails at his disposal.

Jungle foliage is a little different from the type of trail brush we’re used to dodging. Regardless, no matter what kind of single-track you do battle with, the new WRs are very good at bobbing and weaving.

Yamaha is churning up the enduro waters in 2007.

Riders will enjoy the new spacious layout on the Yamahas.

The new WRs will allow you to climb more obstacles than normal, so will Costa Rica’s lax environmental laws.

Costa Rica’s red clay can be tacky like this or miserably slick when the rains come.

Standing up for obstacles or just to get a better look at your surroundings is made easier than ever with a wider layout on the new WRs. Massive footpegs give plenty of support for a day on your feet.

The underfender LED taillight is a notch up in styling. We didn’t suffer any problems with the unit, but it does look like a loop-out will be more abusive than on the old model.

Where better to play around for the camera?

The 48mm Kayaba fork on the 450 is the only suspension component on either bike that hasn’t received a change in spring rates. A few clicks out on the compression adjustment had the WR450 soaking up everything our tester could find.

Even though it’s an off-road bike, the WR can still pull duty on the moto track as Mike Metzger was happy to discover. The new aluminum chassis is lighter and more nimble than ever.

Yamaha’s list of changes adds up to some impressive results. The WR might just be the biggest tree in the woods for 2007.

We found that the new Yamaha off-roaders will light up even the darkest corner of a tropical rainforest.

Low-end power on both models will instigate a little hooliganism in even the most well-mannered riders.

We’ll have to get this thing back home on a dyno, but if you can’t figure out how to put the 450’s power on the ground you’re a moron.

A 450 keeps a watchful eye over the rowdy youngsters. The 250F is a hoot to blast around on.

Hilde has a hard time deciding which is more impressive, the new WR lineup or Costa Rica's unreal scenery.

JC felt comfortable charging the water on the new WR and Costa Rica’s mid-70s temps enticed him to do it.

As the sun set on our Costa Rica adventure we’ll be sure to meet again with the 2007 Yamaha WRs.

You never know where your path will take you in Costa Rica, but the Yamaha will get you there and back.

Yamaha intends for its new headlight to show WR riders the way to the podium.

2007 WR-F First Ride

Yamaha’s new mounts handle water crossings with grace, but the same can’t always be said for MotoUSA’s dirt guy.

As much fun as it was bombing through Costa Rican rainforests, we’ll be nearly as anxious for any opportunity to ride the new WRs. Yamaha’s emphasis on woods-racing performance has really given these bikes a shot in the arm - and they were already very good.

The 450 is definitely more of a handful in the tight stuff, but all that power makes it so much easier to get out of trouble.

New wave-style brake rotors give you the confidence and ability to go fast and stay in control.